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JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Let's say you are starting a 'Cups and Balls Performance Contest, how would you design the points scoring system? How many points category should there be? E.g presentation, routining, originality, etc.
How long should each performance be? How many judges should there be? What if participants are specking in languages the judges do not understand at all? Would appreciate your input as I would be interested to create a system for future use. Thanks! |
M for Magic Special user 673 Posts |
Hi James,
This is just one man's opinion keep in mind. Given that there is inherently a strong technical side to the effect and a strong artistic side to the effect - equal weighing of these components should be considered. A person can have amazing technical abilities, but might put the audience to sleep. And on the flip side, you might have an amazing performer with tremendous creativity, but is much less capable in the technical aspects. I guess it can be a lot like judging figure skating come to think of it. -Jeff |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I know a fellow who can do 30 minutes of cups and balls without repeating a single move. However, he is duller than a ball of mud. While he could win on technique, he would fail miserably on entertainment value.
There could be judging on categories, etc., or even a set of required moves. But I feel that contest routines, even in figure skating, generally lack the creative spark that make magic magical.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Richard Evans Inner circle 1379 Posts |
The cups and balls are at their best when performed for an audience of non-magicians. What matters for them is the entertainment value. The problem with performing for magicians is that the moves are mostly known, even the patter in many routines runs along similar lines. If there was to be a contest then I would favour a scoring system that focussed on entertainment and originality.
I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three. Elayne Boosler
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I would have different categories. The first thing that will be important is how many participants there are. The more participants, the more categories. I will assume it is a lot of participants and put several categories.
Display: The best looking cups. ** The best looking hand made balls. (first, second and third place) ** The largest cups. * The smallest cups. * Performance: The best final loads. * The most humorous performance. * The best entertaiment performance. (first, second and thrird place) ** Whoever can stack an unstack 20 cups the most times within two minutes. ** Whoever can juggle the most cups at a time. * Three judges should be good. It is best for the judges to speak different languages. * maybe ** for sure |
M for Magic Special user 673 Posts |
"But I feel that contest routines, even in figure skating, generally lack the creative spark that make magic magical."
So true Bill. |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Having tried UNSUCCESSFULLY to change the way close up is judged at a convention, I'll give you my idea. (I grew up in skating).
Mandatory segment. You have to do a set required routine. Everyone does the same routine. I suggested Vernon's effects: 1: Cups and Balls, 2: Triumph, 3: Coins across. NO CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS. Presentation not counted. Just the skill level. Free Style: You do what you want... Posted: Sep 3, 2008 12:49pm For a cups and balls contest? Like track an field. Two magicians start together doing Vernon's routine. The first one to finish wins.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Tom Fenton Inner circle Leeds, UK (but I'm Scottish) 1477 Posts |
I would tend to agree with Mr Biro.
There should be a mandatory segment where each entrant has to perform a set routine. This could be a silent routine where only the entrant's skill level is judged. Presentation, routining etc could then be judged in a Free Style round.
"But there isn't a door"
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walid ahumada Special user sinaloa, mexico 892 Posts |
Two judges must be in front of the audience and two more in front of the performer
“Magic becomes art when it has nothing to hide.” BEN OKRI quote
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
How about a contest in which the contestants were to come out empty-handed and perform the routine with the cups that were on the table?
The balls would be in the cups. The loads would be somewhere that would allow the performer to pick them up without being seen doing so. They would be required to have a routine that had certain moves in it. They would get extra points if they were actually able to entertain an audience with this unfamiliar stuff.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
WOW! I really appreciate the views of everyone. They are all very interesting and something I can use, for an event coming soon (to be announced later).
More thoughts and views? Really appreciate all the help I can get. |
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